Source of parasite still unknown

Published tisdag 26 april 2011 kl 11.58

Parents have now been asked to make sure their children have a bottle of boiled water with them when they go to school. Photo: Anders Wiklund/Scanpix

The number of confirmed cases of the parasite cryptosporidium in the northern town of Skellefteå continues to grow. On Tuesday morning 55 people had been confirmed as carrying the parasite but it is still unclear how the parasite has spread.

The local authorities have asked the 32 000 residents, as well as anyone who has visited the city lately, to fill in a questionnaire at the municipality website. So far 9 734 people have answered and out of those 4 735 have reported that they have had stomach problems and symptoms similar to those caused by the parasite.

Tests taken from the city’s water treatment plant have so far tested negative for the parasite but considering the how many people have been affected experts still believe the water is the source, according to news agency TT.

And the local authorities say they do see a trend with fewer people reporting symptoms after April 19, when Skellefteå’s residents were first advised to boil the water for at least one minute.